EIBTM 2012, the annual hub for the global meetings industry, continued its onward journey through growth and innovation with the largest Hosted Buyer program to date, the most dynamic Future Events Experience, the first EIBTM Hybrid Conference streamed globally, over 110 tailored education sessions, and the launch of the EIBTM Forum.

Graeme Barnett, Reed Travel Exhibitions, EIBTM Event Director, commented: “We judge our success by the opinions of our customers, and so far without doubt, this has been a hugely successful show. The positive feedback received from attendees at the EIBTM Forum has ensured it will become a regular part of the EIBTM program. We’ve also delivered our most successful Hosted Buyer program to date, with over 4,100 international Hosted Buyers, which is what we hope provided real business opportunities to our exhibitors.”

Hosted Buyer, Mohammed Al-Qassmi, Travel and Insurance, Senior Supervisor, Human Resources Directorate Qatar Foundation, commented: “I have had a very good experience at EIBTM and have found a number of new hotels that really add value to our offering. I have 100% achieved all of my goals, and I am really happy that I came. I will definitely be coming back.”

Barnett continued, “This year’s EIBTM may have celebrated 25 years, but it has also been a futuristic experience with the buzz of the world of technology and social media featuring in almost every part of the show. The Future Events Experience has been incredibly popular this year – not surprising as it had some real innovations this year demonstrating what the industry could look like in the near and distant future. There is a lot we can look forward to including holographic imaging and video-enabled business cards. We have even entered the world of augmented reality already with our own virtual sales brochure popping out from the handsets and tablets of our team onsite.”

The first EIBTM Hybrid Conference streamed keynote panel discussions and educational seminars for a full day during the event. Mandy Torrens, Head of Marketing and Buyer Programs, IBTM Events Portfolio, commented, “Virtual and hybrid events are of interest to our participants, so it was important for us to innovate in this area, extending the reach of the show.”